Salamat is as authentic as it comes when it comes to Middle Eastern pasties. The welcoming Syrian owner makes everything on-site with the best ingredients – the flavours are classic Middle-Eastern; pistachio, walnuts, almonds, dates and honey stuffed into flaky filo or crumbly pastry. If you’re in Madrid and you want to treat yourself, or buy some delicious delicacies to take to a dinner party or give as a gift, this unostentatious little bakery is wonderful. There is such a great variety; it’s too hard to pick a favourite, so I always take away a mixed selection. 

This part of town is where I go when I need some more exotic ingredients, as the grocers here are mostly Bangladeshi and North African, and sell all sorts of spices, as well as everything else you might need to make a good curry or couscous. And whenever I find myself in Calle Tribulete, I always stop by Salamat to get a few little sweets. The place is very clean, everything is fresh and the service is great.

Salamat also sells Middle Eastern bread, tahini and loose tea – if you are lucky, the owner will offer you a complementary glass of hot sweet black tea, flavoured with cardamom.

So forget the diet, and put the kettle on!